Lionel Richie lit up the show midway through hits like “Easy Like Sunday Morning” and “All Night Long,” which kept the royals on their feet.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise, actress Joan Collins and singer Tom Jones all appeared via video message.
“You can be my wingman any time”, Cruise told the Emperor.
A series of pre-recorded sketches also aired, which revealed little-known facts about Charles and included moments from The Muppets and beloved literary character Winnie the Pooh.
The evening also featured “Lighting up the Nation”, which illuminated famous places across the UK using projection, laser and drone displays.
Reconstituted pop group Take That – minus former frontman Robbie Williams – closed the show, with audience member Carolyn McDonough describing it as “incredible … a true once-in-a-lifetime experience”.
The 53-year-old, who runs a firm to get the long-term unemployed back into work, told AFP that people were “really enjoying themselves … waving their flags and dancing and singing”. were just really going for it”.